Worry and intrinsic/extrinsic religious orientation among Buddhist (Thai) and Christian (Canadian) elderly persons

An investigation of the relationship between Allport's concept of religious orientation and worry was conducted with samples (N = 104) of elderly Buddhist Thais and Christian Canadians. Participants ranged in age between sixty-five and ninety years old (mean = 71). A multiple regression analysis revealed that overall for both Buddhists and Christians an intrinsic orientation toward religion was associated with lesser worry. Furthermore, an extrinsic orientation among Buddhists, in contrast to Christians, was found to be linked to greater worry. These results were discussed in the context of the practice and beliefs of Buddhism and Christianity.